Efficacy and tolerability of finasteride 1 mg in men aged 41 to 60 years with male pattern hair loss.

Author(s): Whiting DA, Olsen EA, Savin R, Halper L, Rodgers A, Wang L, Hustad C, Palmisano J, Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group

Affiliation(s): Dallas Associated Dermatologists, 3600 Gaston Avenue, #1051 LB76, TX 75246, USA.

Publication date & source: 2003-03, Eur J Dermatol., 13(2):150-60.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

A 24-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 424 men was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of finasteride 1 mg on hair growth/loss in men aged 41 to 60 years with mild-to-moderate, predominantly vertex male pattern hair loss. Efficacy was evaluated by review of global photographs of the vertex scalp taken at baseline and at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24 and by patient self-assessments and investigator clinical assessments of change from baseline in hair growth/loss collected at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24. Safety analyses included assessment of clinical and laboratory adverse experiences, including sexual adverse experiences. Analysis of global photographic assessment data showed significant improvement in hair growth for men in the finasteride group compared with those taking placebo beginning at Month 6 (p < 0.001) and maintained through Month 24 (p < 0.001). Results of the patient self-assessment and investigator assessments were consistent with those from the global photographic assessment. Finasteride 1 mg improved scalp hair growth in men aged 41 to 60 years with predominantly vertex male pattern hair loss compared with results seen with placebo. Improvement was evident by 6 months of treatment and continued through 24 months. Treatment with finasteride 1 mg was generally well tolerated.